World Cup 2010 - Terry admits he 'went too far'

Reuters -
Tue, 22 Jun 09:14:00 2010

Central defender John Terry has apologised for suggesting there was player unrest in England's World Cup squad in South Africa after he was criticised by hardline manager Fabio Capello for speaking out.

Terry said after the dull 0-0 draw with Algeria last week the squad was going to clear the air with Capello and discuss changes, though the manager said on Monday his former captain had made a "very big mistake" for talking about morale publicly rather than with him.

The defender, however, told the Daily Mail on Tuesday he supported Capello totally and he had simply answered questions from the media honestly though probably "went too far".

"It was never my intention to upset the manager or the players and if I did upset anyone, I apologise," Terry said.

"I have told the manager he has my total support and I would like to stress I don't believe I have been a disruptive influence in the camp.

"I would now like to put this episode behind me and concentrate on trying to win what is a massive game for England," he added in reference to the must-win Group C match against Slovenia on Wednesday.

England's management and players had closed ranks earlier on Monday to deny talk of mutiny in the camp, with Capello saying he did not know why Terry had not approached him first.